Software Engineer Cover Letter Guide: Unlock Your Journey w/ Examples & Templates

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Software engineer is a high-demand job, projected to grow by 25 percent by 2031. It’s true that many employers may not require a software engineer cover letter as part of their application process. Nevertheless, a great cover letter can be a significant tool during your search for a software engineer job, giving hiring managers a better sense of the context around your experience, as well as your personalities, styles, and ambitions.

Software Developer Cover Letter Examples

Entry-level Software Engineer Cover Letter

Catherine L. Garnette
[email protected]
linkedin.com/catherinegarnette
(+908)-xxx-xxxx

September 22th, 2022

Daniel Spacey
CEO at POP-Tech
8012 S Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60116
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Spacey,

I'm Catherine - a fresh graduate of Software Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago. This letter is in regard to my interest in the Software Engineer position for POP-Tech, as advised on ITjobs. As your company is one of the most reputable tech companies in Chicago, working here would be a dream for a beginner like me. 

I've completed an internship at SOP Group which gave me an opportunity to gain substantial experience and knowledge in data structures, algorithms, and software design. As a Software Developer Intern, I worked on complex computer science solutions, developed scalable, distributed software systems, and also did the application testing. 

I'm not only familiar with programming languages like C++, C#, JavaScript, Ruby, and Python, but also adept at using TDD as a design tool. Moreover, I’m confident that my problem-solving, research and teamwork skills will help me excel in this entry-level role at POP-tech. 

For a further review of my qualifications, please have a look at my resume and work portfolio attached below. I look forward to speaking with you soon. 

Thank you and best regards,
Catherine L. Garnette

📚Further reading:  How to Lean in and Become a Software Developer

Software Developer Cover Letter Via Email

Subject: Application for the position of Software Developer at Soma

Dear Hiring Manager,

My name is Sean, and I would like to apply for the position of Software Developer as advertised on ITjobs. I have extensive experience in operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software - which perfectly fits the requirements of your job opening.

I earned a Master's degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M, and completed a 6-month internship at Google Canada.

In my previous role at POP-tech, I was responsible for the following tasks:

  • Analyze the needs of the user and then create, test, and develop software to solve existing or potential problems
  • Map out the design and create flowcharts that detail each step of the process
  • Develop diagrams and models to instruct programmers on how to write the code for the program
  • Work closely with other computer specialists to make sure the software is top-notch and functioning properly
  • Most recently, I successfully removed bugs from the HR management software for a client, making it 60% more efficient than before.

I feel that my experience with a can-do attitude and exceptional problem-solving skills would be of great benefit to Soma. It would be a wonderful opportunity for me to advance my career with a revolutionary tech startup like yours. 

Please kindly find my resume attached and feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,
Sean Peterson

[email protected]
linkedin.com/seanpeterson80

Front-end Developer Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the position of Front-end Developer at Tagnology. As a go-getter with hands-on experience in web applications and solutions, I believe that I'm well positioned to leverage my abilities and qualifications to thrive in this role.

Over the past 5 years, I have designed, developed, and launched 20+ customized, highly responsive websites and e-commerce solutions that use advanced technologies. My job responsibilities also include resolving complex design, implementation, and performance issues, as well as optimizing web pages for maximum speed and scalability.

Besides that, I take pride in consistently meeting the client's expectations and project milestones while working effectively in a fast-paced environment. I’m confident that what I've mentioned above, together with my keen interest in programming and design, would allow me to make a significant contribution to Tagnology's future projects.

I would appreciate speaking with you further regarding the role and the company, as well as my technical abilities and personal attributes. Thank you for considering my candidacy for this position, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,
Tommy Ho

[email protected]
0912-xxx-xxx

📚Further reading:  Front End Developer Resume [Examples, Sample & Template]

How to Write a Software Engineer Cover Letter

1. Address the hiring manager

If you already know their name, go with Dear Mr./Miss [Last Name]. In case you're unsure about their gender, or preferred pronoun, it's more appropriate to address them using their professional or academic title.

💡Pro tip: When writing a software engineer cover letter, you can start with “Dear Hiring Manager,” which will never go wrong.

2. Engage the reader with a self-introduction & opening

In the opening paragraph, it's important to express your interest and confidence in the role. Next, briefly introduce who you are in terms of work experience, skills, and preferably educational qualifications - if you’re writing a cover letter for software engineer freshers.

Example paragraph in a cover letter for a software engineer intern:

“As a highly motivated and diligent student, I never stop looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn. I’m confident that the internship program at PCB Group will allow me to gain in-depth knowledge and professional experience in the field.”

3. Highlight relevant skills and qualifications

To present your qualifications as a software engineer, it's a must to include essential skills for this professional, such as:

  • Coding
  • Programming Languages
  • Agile Development
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • Configuration Management
  • Site Reliability Engineering
  • Systems Process Improvement  
  • Quality Assurance and Control
  • Data and Network Management
  • UI Toolkits and frameworks

Example paragraph in a cover letter for a fresher software engineer:

“I enjoy working on multiple tasks at the same time while being challenged and engaging with projects that require me to work outside my comfort and knowledge set. I also believe that my exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills will allow me to perform the job tasks efficiently.”

4. End your software engineer cover letter with a strong CTA

In the final paragraph of your software engineer cover letter, don’t forget to insert a CTA (call-to-action) that reminds the hiring manager to review your application. This is also an efficient way of asking them to offer you the interview opportunity.

Example paragraph in a senior software engineer cover letter:

“I’m confident that my 10-year experience and technical skills would make me the perfect candidate for the Senior Software Engineer position at POP-tech. I've attached a resume and work portfolio for your further review of my qualifications. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in more detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

5. Sign off in a professional manner

Below are 8 formal email sign-offs for your software developer cover letter:

  • Sincerely
  • Kind regards
  • Best regards
  • Warm regards
  • Many thanks
  • Respectfully
  • With appreciation
  • Cordially

On the other hand, avoid these sign-offs since they're too casual for a professional application letter:

  • All the best
  • Take care
  • Have a great day/week/weekend
  • Talk soon
  • Thanks in advance
  • Thanks again

Tips for a Strong Software Engineer Cover Letter

Utilize bullet points

When writing your software developer cover letter and resume, consider using bullet points to make it easy to read for employers and save a lot of space.

Here are some cases when bullet points will work the best:

  • Discuss duties & responsibilities in former job roles 
  • Showcase professional accomplishments in the field
  • Highlight soft and technical skills as a software engineer

📚Further reading: Cover Letter Tips that Will Help You Land the Job Interview

Add quantified achievements

As numbers break up the expanse of text and don't lie, you should quantify the evidence of your professional accomplishments in your software engineer cover letter. This is a powerful attention-grabber for potential employers and helps boost your candidacy.

Sample of a cover letter for a software developer:

“I successfully led a team of 4 developers to develop and implement the online workbook for POP-tech, resulting in a 30% faster completion time for measurable tasks the following year.”

Emphasize your career goals

The two tips mentioned above typically work for those with extensive experience in the field. A powerful cover letter for software engineer freshers, on the other hand, needs to provide the hiring manager with further detail on how your skill set and career goals align with the role. Doing so will give you an advantage over other applicants who simply make a statement about their passion.

Example paragraph in a cover letter for programmers with no experience:

“Having completed my bachelor’s degree in computer science, I’m ready to pursue my career by securing an entry-level position with a well-established company like SamaTech. Working for your company would be my dream, through which I can gain in-depth knowledge and experience in designing software applications as well as debugging programs and troubleshooting technical issues.”

Software Engineer Cover Letter Template

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

[Date applied]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s Job Title]

[Company Name]
[Company Address]

Dear Hiring Manager (or) Mr/Mrs [Last Name],

I’m [Full name], and this letter is in regard to my interest in applying for the software engineer position at [Company name]. The opportunity advertised on [job site] is very appealing and matches my educational background, work experience, as well as skill sets. 

Working as a [Job title] for [number] years, I am tasked with the following duties and responsibilities: 

  • [3-5 major job responsibilities] 

During my previous role as a [Former job] at [Former company name], I’ve received commendations for [Measurable accomplishment]. 

Furthermore, my [soft skill 1] and [soft skill 2] have also served me well as a professional in this field. I'm confident that I can bring that same dedication to [Company name] if I could be part of your team. 

Working here would be a dream opportunity for my career development, so I appreciate having a chance to further speak with you regarding my qualifications. Please have a look at my resume and work portfolio. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Sincerely, 
[Full Name]

All in all, before moving forward to the interview step, make sure to, first, ace both your resume and software engineer cover letter!

With CakeResume, best resume builder website, we provide you with hundreds of resume templates (free download) that help showcase the best you. Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!

--- Originally written by May Luong ---

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